ID calls on Premier to declare affected flood areas as disaster areas

By Rhodé Marshall
31 July 2007


The Independent Democrats (ID) has called for Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool to declare the areas affected by the floods as disaster areas.

The floods has left up to 40 000 in the metropolitan areas homeless and many without basic necessities.

“It is clear from my visits to the affected areas around the metro this weekend that the City does not have the resources to properly assist those whom have had their homes flooded,” says ID Caucus Leader Simon Grindrod.

He added that the blankets and soup which is being provided to residents in the areas by the City’s Disaster Management is not enough.

“The danger is very real that the flood waters will carry disease into homes where children and the elderly are trying to survive in cold and wet conditions,” says Grindrod.

However, spokesperson for the Premier, Shadow Twala says that the Premier has gone to asses the areas to see what can be done to help the situation.

“The Premier does not have the authority to declare any area as a disaster area, he can only make recommendations,” says Twala.

She added that the decision regarding to call the area as a disaster area or not is up to national government.